I am considering the purchase of a sewing machine. I don't need one with a lot of bells and whistles, just an uncomplicated, inexpensive machine to do some hems once in a while or other simple sewing tasks. Maybe someone could recommend a model or brand that I should look for. What can I expect to pay for such a unit? Should I consider getting a refurbished one?

I had a Brothers for so many years. I just loved that machine. I wore the poor thing out. Now I have a Sonata. I loved my Brothers more but this one gets it done to. I just wanted the basics. You know- forward, backwards, and zig zag. That's all it takes to make me happy. This one does more then that but that's ok. I bought mine at a fabric store when it was on sale. I think it was a couple hundred. That was so many years ago. About 19 now. Just look around and you might find a good deal. There are some great machines out there that can do anything now. Happy hunting!!

I haven't really explored my Brother yet, but it sells at Costco for $130 including tax and shipping. It comes with 4 feet including a buttonhole foot, and something like 32 programmed stitches, including featherstitch and blanketstitch which can be useful. It weighs 11lb so it's very light. I bought it so I'd have something to use while I saved for a fancier quilting machine.

The main reason I went with this particular one is the price seemed very competitive and they offered the 25 year limited warrenty. I figured if they were that confident on the machines reliability then it seemed like a good deal.

I wasn't looking for anything special either. I purchased the Singer 7466 because of the price (bought it online for $269 included shipping)and because it didn't need to be oiled. It is computerized, so I got a lot of stitches that I now love even though I wasn't looking for them. I honestly didn't research machines so I am sure there are many good machines out there. I have had mine for 1 1/2 yrs. now and have been very happy with it and also with Singer's Customer Help website. They will answer any questions you may have. I did purchase a walking foot, which I highly recommend even if you don't quilt. It is really helpful working with fleece. I know you can spend whatever you want on a machine, but I don't think you need to do that unless you are a serious seamtress. I also have a Sears Kenmore which I have had for 30+ years. It still works but I hate oiling it. Just know that if you get a computerized or self oiling machine you can't lay it on its side. Love mine.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: helenl553,

Whatever you buy, be sure to give it a test drive. I have a thing about nice straight stitches for top stitching. Some machines kind of wobble on straight stitching, even rather pricey ones-IMHO, and it's one thing that makes your work good--or not. And I would put the bobbin in and remove it a few times to decide if you are happy with the way it works. If you really get enjoying sewing you will want to make buttonholes sometimes. Check how each machine does this. (Personally I don't want to use the method that requires changing the zigzag setting and measuring the length for each buttonhole. It's too easy to get mismatched buttonholes. I want an attachment that makes sure all buttonholes are identical. Or a new computerized machine that makes them alike.) These aren't price issues. You should be able to get a good basic machine you enjoy very well priced. If you are concerned about costs you might want to also check used machines. I've often heard about someone who bought a machine and lost interest or traded-up. There are some gems out there.

You mentioned hemming and repairs as part of your sewing needs. For hemming, I really like my Pfaffs. I have hemmed jeans right though two or three turns of the double thick seams and my Pfaff goes right through them without a hitch. I have also sewn zigzag mendings from the pocket hem edges to the flat jean and it works great. Uneven layers don't bother it at all, I don't need a foot leveler to make it work easier.

I would be sure to get the punch power of the needle as much as possible.

Get a needle up/down if you can. I love my Janome. It is a workhorse and not expensive - certainly not compared to a lot of machines.